Emergency signaling system

ABSTRACT

An emergency signaling system is disclosed. The system includes a receptacle and a painting device. The painting device is covered in a paint material and stored in the receptacle. The receptacle can be used to launch the painting device onto a surface, such as a roof, in the event that a user needs to signal a search and rescue team or anyone near their present location. The painting device, upon contact with a surface, creates a painted signal. The painted signal can have different shapes according to the shape of the painting device. The painting device can include weight members or flexible frame members to facilitate opening the painting device from a closed or folded configuration to a fully open configuration once the painting device has been launched from the receptacle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/896,826 filed Sep. 6, 2019, and titled “Emergency SignalingSystem,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems forproviding emergency signals, and specifically to providing emergencysignals that may be visible from a distance.

BACKGROUND

During disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires,residents of the associated disaster area may become trapped insidetheir homes or other structures. It may be necessary for the residentsto provide some indication to search and rescue teams that they requireassistance and/or need to be evacuated. Flares can provide one-timesignaling, however these signals may not be detected if the search andrescue teams are not in the vicinity of the resident when the flare isdeployed.

There is a need in the art for a system and method that addresses theshortcomings discussed above.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an emergency signaling system includes a receptacle witha receiving cavity, a lid enclosing the receiving cavity, and anactuating assembly. The system also includes a painting device disposedwithin the receiving cavity of the receptacle and a paint materialfilling a portion of the receiving cavity of the receptacle. In a firststate the lid is closed and prevents the paint material from leaking outof the receiving cavity. In a second state the lid is open and theactuating assembly causes the painting device to be launched from thereceiving cavity.

In another aspect, an emergency signaling system for use on a roof of abuilding includes a receptacle with a receiving cavity, an actuatingassembly, a mounting portion that can be secured to the roof of thebuilding, and an actuating controller connected to the actuatingassembly. The system also includes a painting device disposed within thereceiving cavity of the receptacle, a paint material filling a portionof the receiving cavity of the receptacle, and a remote control device.The remote control device sends a signal to the actuating controller toactivate the actuating assembly, and wherein the actuating assemblylaunches the painting device from the receptacle onto the roof of thebuilding to apply a painted signal to the roof.

In another aspect, a deployable device for use in an emergency includesa central portion, a first arm portion, a second arm portion, a thirdarm portion, and a fourth arm portion. The device also includes a firstframe member disposed along the first arm portion, a second frame memberdisposed along the second arm portion, a third frame member disposedalong the third arm portion, and a fourth frame member disposed alongthe fourth arm portion. The first frame member, the second frame member,the third frame member and the fourth frame member are flexible. Thedeployable device has a folded configuration in which the first framemember, the second frame member, the third frame member, and the fourthframe member are all bent. The deployable device also has a fully openconfiguration in which the first frame member, the second frame member,the third frame member, and the fourth frame member are allsubstantially straight.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a scenario where an area has flooded and aresident is attempting to use an emergency signaling system, accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the user of FIG. 1 actuating an emergencysignaling system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a painting device being deployed,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a painting device disposed on a roof of ahouse, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view depicting a painted signal created by thepainting device of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a scenario where a search and rescuevehicle is able to identify houses with painted signals to quickly findthe locations of stranded residents;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an embodiment of an emergency signalingsystem;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an emergencysignaling system;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a painting device;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the painting device of FIG. 9, in whichthe painting device is completely open;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a painting device;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a painting device;and

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an emergencysignaling system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An emergency signaling system is disclosed. The emergency signalingsystem comprises a receptacle storing a painting device and paintmaterial. The receptacle can be used to launch the painting device,which may be covered in paint material, onto a nearby surface, such as aroof, driveway, or lawn. When launched, the painting device opens up andapplies the paint material to the surface. After the painting device hasbeen removed, either manually, or from rain or wind, a painted signal isleft behind on the surface having the same shape as the painting device.The painted signal can be easily seen from above by search and rescueteams traveling by airplane or helicopter over a disaster area. Thepainted signal may also be visible in any images captured by unmanneddrones surveying the disaster area. This allows the search and rescueteams to easily identify houses or other structures where occupants maybe stranded and in need of assistance and/or evacuation.

Using a painting device allows paint to be applied in a precise pattern(corresponding to the shape of the painting device), so that thecorresponding painted signal is easily distinguishable from othercolorings or features on a roof, driveway or other surface visible fromthe air. The painting device itself can include weight members thatfacilitate opening the device in the air as well as ensuring the devicelands on the target surface without drifting in the air. The paintingdevice can also include flexible members that can be bent when thedevice is collapsed to fit in the receptacle, but which also bias thepainting device towards a fully open (and flat) configuration when thedevice is outside the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the system can be manually deployed. In otherembodiments, the system can be integrated into a structure, such as theroof of a house or other building. In this case, the system can beremotely actuated, for example, using a smart device in communicationwith an actuator controller. This allows a user to create a paintedsignal on a roof or other surface without requiring the user to leavethe building, as going outside may be dangerous in disaster conditions(such as flooding, fire, or hurricane conditions).

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a scenario in which a user 100 is trappedin their house 102 due to a flood 104 in their neighborhood. To increasethe chances of being rescued, user 100 has climbed onto the roof 110 todeploy an emergency signaling system that may be recognized by searchand rescue teams from the air.

FIGS. 2-4 depict schematic views of user 100 deploying the emergencysignaling system 150 onto roof 110. Starting in FIG. 2, user 100actuates a receptacle 202. This has the effect of propelling a paintingdevice 204 into the air. In FIG. 2, painting device 204 can be seen asbeginning to open as it is launched into the air. In FIG. 3, paintingdevice 204 has opened up to its full size and taken on a disc-likeshape. In FIG. 4, painting device 204 has landed on a part of roof 110.

During many kinds of disasters, rain and wind may be present. This makesit likely that any moveable object placed on a surface (such as a roof)may be blown or washed away soon after the object has been deployed. Thepresent system therefore uses paint to apply a “painted signal” thatcannot be easily removed in rain or wind. Thus, even if the paintingdevice is blown or washed away immediately after being deployed it willleave behind an identifiable signal on the surface that can be viewedfor hours, days, or even weeks.

In the exemplary embodiments, the deployed painting device is coated ina paint material. This allows the painting device to paint or “stamp”the underlying surface (such as roof 110). This leaves behind a paintedsignal 502, as shown in FIG. 5, once painting device 204 has beenremoved (either manually, or due to wind, rain, etc.).

As seen in FIG. 6, houses marked with painted signals can be readilyidentified from the air by search and rescue vehicles. In this case,occupants of helicopter 602 can easily identify home 612 (with paintedsignal 613) and home 616 (with painted signal 617) as locations wherethe residents may be in need of rescue.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an emergency signaling system 700.Referring first to FIG. 7, emergency signaling system 700 comprises areceptacle 702. Receptacle 702 comprises a container or housing thatacts to store and also launch a painting device 704. In someembodiments, receptacle 702 may have the shape of a canister. In otherembodiments, receptacle 702 could have any other suitable shape.

Receptacle 702 may include an outer housing portion 710. Outer housingportion 710 includes sidewalls 712 fixedly attached to a bottom wall714. Outer housing portion 710 may also include a lid 716 that isattached to an upper periphery 718 of sidewalls 712. In one embodiment,lid 716 may be attached to sidewalls 712 by a hinge 720. In otherembodiments, lid 716 may be attached to sidewalls 712 using anothersuitable connection.

The interior of receptacle 702 includes a storage portion 730 and alaunching portion 750. Storage portion 730 comprises an interior cavity732 that receives a painting device 704. Interior cavity 732 may beaccessible through an opening when lid 716 is disposed in an openposition.

Launching portion 750 may be disposed between storage portion 730 andbottom wall 714. Launching portion 750 further comprises an actuatingassembly 760 that can be used to launch painting device 704. In theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, actuating assembly 760 is a pneumaticsystem that uses compressed air 762 to actuate a launching plate 764.More specifically, in an undeployed configuration, launching plate 764is locked into place within housing portion 710 in a position that keepsair 762 in a compressed state. In the exemplary embodiment, lockingplate 764 includes an engaging portion 780. Engaging portion 780 can beengaged by a latching portion 782 that is connected to an actuatingbutton 768.

When button 768 is pressed, latching portion 782 is displaced fromengaging portion 780. This releases launching plate 764 and allowscompressed air 766 to push launching plate 764 towards the open end ofhousing portion 710. In some cases, pressing button 768 may also act tounlock lid 716 which can then swing open as the contents of interiorcavity 732 are propelled out of housing portion 710.

As seen in FIG. 7, interior cavity 732 may also be filled with aquantity of paint material 770. Specifically, the quantity of paintmaterial 770 may be sufficient so that painting device 704 can besubmerged within the paint material while painting device 704 is storedfor later use. By storing sufficient amounts of paint material tosubmerge painting device 704, this ensures that painting device 704 iscoated with wet paint when launched onto a roof or other surface. Thiswet paint is then transferred to a roof or other surface to form apainted signal (for example, painted signal 502 from FIG. 5).

In different embodiments, different actuating mechanisms could be used.The type of mechanism selected may depend on factors including thedesired speed and force necessary to launch a painting device. Thesefactors may further depend on the weight and/or aerodynamic propertiesof the painting device.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of another example of a receptacle 800.Receptacle 800 may share some provisions with receptacle 700. However,in contrast to receptacle 700, receptacle 800 uses a spring-basedactuating mechanism to launch a painting device. Specifically,receptacle 800 includes a compression spring 802. Compression spring 802may be compressed and locked in place using launching plate 804 prior todeployment of the painting device. When the launching plate is released,as through an actuating button 806, compression spring 802 expands andgenerates the force necessary to propel painting device 810 fromreceptacle 800.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a painting device 900.Painting device 900 may include a central portion 910 and a peripheralportion 912. In some cases, painting device 900 may have a rounded orapproximately circular shape. In such cases, peripheral portion 912 maycomprise a circular peripheral portion. Moreover, painting device 900may itself have an approximately disc-like, or circular, geometry.

A painting device can include provisions for controlling its motion whenlaunched from a receptacle. In some embodiments, painting device 900 maycomprise a plurality of weight members 930 disposed along peripheralportion 912. Weight members 930 may comprise suitably sized weights thatcan help ensure painting device 900 doesn't drift in the wind after ithas been launched. Weight members 930 may also help ensure that paintingdevice 900 opens up when launched. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, ifangular momentum is imparted to painting device 900 as it is launched, acentrifugal force 1002 pushes out each of the weight members 930. Insome cases, angular momentum could be imparted to painting device 900 byconfiguring a launch plate to rotate as it is driven towards an openingof the receptacle.

As also shown in FIG. 9, painting device 900 may be coated with a paintmaterial prior to being launched from a receptacle. In some cases,painting device 900 may be coated with a first layer 950 of paintmaterial along a first side 960 of painting device 900, as well as witha second layer 952 of paint material along a second side 962 of paintingdevice 900. Using a coating of paint material on both sides of thedevice helps ensure that a painted signal can be applied to a surfaceregardless of which side of the painting device lands facing down.

Embodiments of painting devices need not be limited to circulargeometries. In other embodiments, other suitable geometries could beused. In some cases, distinctive geometries could be used to make theresulting painted signal more readily identifiable, especially fromfarther away. Distinctive geometries may also be used to helpdistinguish the painted signals from other markings on buildings orground surfaces.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a painting device.By contrast to the circular geometry of painting device 900, forexample, painting device 1100 has a cross or X-like geometry.Specifically, painting device 1100 is comprised of a central portion1102, a first arm portion 1104, a second arm portion 1106, a third armportion 1108, and a fourth arm portion 1110. Each arm portion extendsout from central portion 1102.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, painting device 1100 includesflexible frame members 1150. Flexible frame members 1150 may be bent toallow painting device 1100 to fold and fit within a receptacle. However,once painting device 1100 is launched, flexible frame members 1150return to a biased state where they extend straight out from centralportion 1102. This causes each arm portion to fully extend and biasespainting device 1100 into a fully opened state associated with theX-like geometry.

Specifically, flexible frame members 1150 include first flexible framemember 1151, second flexible frame member 1152, third flexible framemember 1153, and fourth flexible frame member 1154. Each frame membermay extend from a central frame element 1156 at central portion 1102.Furthermore, each frame member may include a T-like member at the end.Specifically, first flexible frame member 1151 ends at a first T member1161, second flexible frame member 1152 ends at a second T member 1162,third flexible frame member 1153 ends at a third T member 1163, andfourth flexible frame member 1154 ends at a fourth T member 1164. TheseT shaped members may help keep the arm portions opened (or flattened) ina width-wise direction. Moreover, in some cases, the T-shaped memberscould also be weighted to further facilitate opening the painting deviceas it is deployed, and to ensure it comes down without drifting.

The X-like shape of painting device 1100 may help make the resultingpainted signal more readily identifiable. In particular, it is unlikelythat a member of a search and rescue team might miss an X-shaped signalfrom the air.

FIG. 12 depicts yet another embodiment of a painting device. In thiscase, painting device 1200 comprises a circular peripheral portion 1202.However, central portion 1204 has openings 1206 that spell out “SOS”, awell-known distress call.

In some embodiments, an emergency signaling system could be integratedinto a home or other structure. For example, an emergency signalingsystem could be permanently attached to the roof of a homeowner's house.This may allow the system to be deployed remotely, without requiring theuser to leave the house in order to deploy a painting device.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of another embodiment of an emergencysignaling system. In this embodiment, emergency signaling system 1300may be attached directly to a user's roof. Specifically, receptacle 1302may include a mounting portion 1304 that can be secured directly to roof1306. In such an embodiment, receptacle 1302 may be equipped with aremote actuating system, whereby a user can remotely activate thesystem. For example, receptacle 1302 may include an actuating controller1310 that can automatically control an internal actuating assembly 1312.Actuating controller 1310 may be configured to receive control signalsfrom a remote device 1320 that can be operated by a user 1322. Remotedevice 1320 could be stand-alone remote device or could be any suitablecomputing device running an application configured to communicate withactuating controller 1310. Examples of computing devices include mobilephones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computing devices. Communicationbetween an actuating controller and a remote device could beaccomplished using any known communication methods or protocols. In someembodiments, communication may occur using any suitable radio-basedsignal. Using this exemplary system, a painting device can be remotelydeployed by a user during or after a natural disaster, such as a flood,fire, or hurricane.

The embodiments may be used to create painted signals on a variety ofdifferent surfaces, and are not limited to use with roofs. Othersuitable surfaces where a painting device could be deployed to create apainted signal could include, but are not limited to: driveways, lawns,exterior walls of a house or other building, parking lots, or othersuitable surfaces.

The embodiments can make use of any suitable materials for components ofthe emergency signaling system. For example, the painting devicematerials could comprise any sufficiently flexible and durable material.Examples of suitable materials may include, but are not limited to:canvas, polyester coated with polyurethane, or plastic materials (suchas polyethylene). The materials may be selected to be compatible withpaint material. Specifically, the materials may be chosen to ensure thatthe painting device efficiently transfers paint from the receptacle tothe target surface (such as a roof, lawn, driveway, or other surface).The materials may also be selected to ensure that the painting devicedoes not soak up an amount of paint material that would make it tooheavy to be effectively launched onto a surface.

The receptacle materials could comprise a sufficiently rigid material.Examples of suitable materials may include, but are not limited toplastic materials and metal materials. Receptacle materials me beselected to be sufficiently water-tight so that paint material does notleak out of the receptacle when the receptacle is being stored.Receptacles that use pneumatic actuation may also be sufficientlyair-tight to ensure that sufficient pressure is maintained in thereceptacle prior to deployment of the painting device.

Exemplary paint materials include, but are not limited to acrylic basedpaints, oil-based paints, and paints including enamel. Paint materialsmay be selected according to a variety of factors includingtransferability, stability during storage, and degree of permanence. Forexample, it may be desirable to use paint materials that can be easilytransferred from a painting device to a surface (such as a roof). Paintmaterials may also be selected according to their compatibility with awide range of surfaces, such as shingles, concrete, and grass. Becausethe receptacle may be stored for several years before it may be used,paint materials may be selected to ensure that the paint material doesnot deteriorate substantially over this period. Because the emergencysignaling system may be used in scenarios where there may be substantialrain and/or flooding, the paint material may be selected to ensure thepainted signal cannot be easily washed away.

While the embodiments describe a system that can apply paint material toa surface, other embodiments could incorporate other kinds of “coloring”substances. For example, in another embodiment, a painting device couldbe covered in a colored gel and may apply the gel to a surface. Inanother embodiment, a painted device could be covered in a foam and mayapply the foam to a surface. In another embodiment, a painted devicecould be covered in a powder and may apply the powder to a surface.

Paint materials may be selected to have any suitable color. In somecases, colors may be selected so that the painted signal is readilyidentifiable from far away. Therefore, bright colors may be selectedthat contrast substantially with conventional colors for roofs,concrete, and lawn. Examples of colors that could be used includeyellow, red, pink, and orange. In other embodiments, any suitable colorcould be used.

The dimensions of one or more components could also vary from oneembodiment to another. For reference, the longest dimension of apainting device (when fully opened) may be referred to as its footprint.For example, a circular painting device with a diameter of 2 feet has a2 foot footprint. In some cases, the footprint could vary in a rangebetween 2 feet and 10 feet. In other cases, the footprint could have afootprint approximately in the range between 10 feet and 20 feet. Thefootprint may be selected so that the resulting painted signal issufficiently large enough to be viewed from far away. The footprint mayalso be selected so that the painting device can be closed and still fitwithin a suitably sized receptacle.

An emergency signaling system could be constructed so that the systemcan be used only once before one or more components have to be thrownaway. Alternatively, a system could be constructed so that one or morecomponents could be reused.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

We claim:
 1. An emergency signaling system, comprising: a receptacle,the receptacle further including: a receiving cavity; a lid enclosingthe receiving cavity; and an actuating assembly; a painting devicedisposed within the receiving cavity of the receptacle; a paint materialfilling a portion of the receiving cavity of the receptacle; wherein ina first state the lid is closed and prevents the paint material fromleaking out of the receiving cavity; wherein in a second state the lidis open and the actuating assembly causes the painting device to belaunched from the receiving cavity.
 2. The emergency signaling systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises a canister. 3.The emergency signaling system according to claim 1, wherein thepainting device, upon coming into contact with a surface, is configuredto apply a painted signal to the surface.
 4. The emergency signalingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the actuating assembly includes alaunching plate that pushes the painting device out of the receivingcavity when the actuating assembly is activated.
 5. The emergencysignaling system according to claim 4, wherein the launching plate isdriven by compressed air.
 6. The emergency signaling system according toclaim 4, wherein the launching plate is driven by a compression spring.7. The emergency signaling system according to claim 1, wherein theactuating assembly comprises: a launching plate; a latching portion thatlocks the launching plate in a first position in the first state; and anactuating mechanism applying a force to the launching plate in the firstposition.
 8. The emergency signaling system according to claim 7,wherein the actuating mechanism is compressed air configured to push thelaunching plate to a second position in the second state.
 9. Theemergency signaling system according to claim 7, wherein the actuatingmechanism is a spring-based actuating mechanism configured to push thelaunching plate to a second position in the second state.
 10. Anemergency signaling system for use on a roof of a building, comprising:a receptacle, the receptacle further including: a receiving cavity; anactuating assembly; a mounting portion that can be secured to the roofof the building; an actuating controller connected to the actuatingassembly; a painting device disposed within the receiving cavity of thereceptacle; a paint material filling a portion of the receiving cavityof the receptacle; a remote control device; and wherein the remotecontrol device sends a signal to the actuating controller to activatethe actuating assembly, and wherein the actuating assembly launches thepainting device from the receptacle onto the roof of the building toapply a painted signal to the roof.
 11. The emergency signaling systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the painting device has a circular shape.12. The emergency signaling system according to claim 10, wherein thepainting device is X-shaped.
 13. The emergency signaling systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the receptacle has a lid that is biasedin a closed position.
 14. The emergency signaling system according toclaim 10, wherein the remote control device is a mobile phone.
 15. Theemergency signaling system according to claim 10, wherein the paintingdevice includes one or more weight members.
 16. The emergency signalingsystem according to claim 10, wherein the painting device includes atleast one flexible frame member.
 17. The emergency signaling systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the actuating assembly comprises: alaunching plate; a latching portion configured to releasably lock thelaunching plate in a first position; and an actuating mechanism applyinga force to the launching plate in the first position.
 18. The emergencysignaling system according to claim 17, wherein the actuating mechanismis compressed air.
 19. The emergency signaling system according to claim17, wherein the actuating mechanism is a spring-based actuatingmechanism.
 20. The emergency signaling system according to claim 17,wherein the launching plate is configured to rotate while being drivenfrom the first position and a second position by the actuatingmechanism.